cemetery gardening vienna

report
the topography of the neustift am walde cemetery is exceptional, while the location of the horticultural facility is rather unspectacular — situated within the cemetery grounds at the edge of a sloped meadow. taking this particular "landscape situation" into account, the new horticultural building is embedded into the slope with an unpretentious gesture in order to preserve or even restore the unbuilt natural space. the greenhouse stretches eastward, functionally optimized along a north-south axis beneath the “folded-up” terrain surface. embedding the structure into the hillside improves energy performance (minimal energy-intensive surface area, natural heating and cooling through the earth). the administrative “head” of the building pushes outward toward the cemetery entrance, offering a clear orientation to visitors. enclosed and semi-open workshops wrap around the L-shaped layout, defining the operational and logistics courtyard. this space, with its light shading from sun and rain, provides protected loading/unloading areas and extends the usable outdoor work zones. the design seeks to respond to landscape, energy, and economic requirements using simple but efficient means.

building services concept
energy-related requirements are met with simple means:
the slope is utilized, and the building is almost entirely integrated into the ground, except for necessary and purposeful daylight openings. this ensures extremely low energy demand and natural cooling in summer. a basic radiant construction element heating system ensures dry and warm rooms for users with the simplest building services. the overall technical concept is based on the principle of achieving maximum user comfort with minimum investment and operating costs, while maintaining a straightforward and low-maintenance system design.

electrical engineering
is planned and implemented according to best practice standards. it is recommended that room lighting be equipped with presence sensors to ensure lighting is only active when people are present.

plumbing and HVAC installation
heating and hot water generation via a simple gas condensing boiler.
heat is distributed via radiant surface heating (maximized comfort through warm enclosing surfaces).
for wet clothing worn by cemetery workers during rainy conditions, wall-mounted heated fixtures (e.g. tubular frames shaped like coat hangers) or simple towel radiators are installed. humidity-controlled room fans provide rapid exhaust of moist air via roof-mounted outlets. hot water is generated directly from the condensing boiler. facade-mounted solar thermal collectors, approx. 10–15 m², are integrated into the south-facing wall — replacing standard façade material and allowing cost-neutral installation. depending on solar availability, the collectors preheat the cold water needed for the showering needs of around 15 persons. the daily hot water demand for 10 people taking showers is estimated at approx 500 litres.